In a grim reminder of the dark side of corporate accountability, a third former Hyatt employee has pleaded guilty to their role in the tragic restraint death of D’Vontaye Mitchell. The incident, which took place in 2020, sent shockwaves through the community and raised disturbing questions about the treatment of individuals with disabilities in institutions entrusted with their care.
As the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported, the guilty plea marked a significant development in a case that had already sparked widespread outrage and calls for reform. The tragic event not only claimed the life of a young man but also exposed a culture of neglect and disregard for the well-being of vulnerable individuals within the Hyatt Regency hotel in downtown Milwaukee.
Third Former Hyatt Employee Pleads Guilty in Restraint Death of D’Vontaye Mitchell
A 52-year-old former Hyatt Regency employee, Herbert Williamson, has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery in connection with the restraint death of D’Vontaye Mitchell, a 43-year-old man who died on June 30, 2022, at the hotel in downtown Milwaukee.
Williamson’s guilty plea brings to two the number of men who have pleaded guilty to a crime stemming from the case. Brandon LaDaniel Turner, 35, pleaded guilty to felony murder as a party to a crime earlier this month, after reaching a deal to cooperate with prosecutors.
The incident occurred on June 30 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Milwaukee, resulting in the death of D’Vontaye Mitchell, 43. The cause of the disturbance was allegedly Mitchell walking into the women’s bathroom.
The development comes after Turner pleaded guilty to felony murder as a party to a crime, agreeing to cooperate with prosecutors in exchange for a plea deal that includes probation.
Turner’s plea deal was reached after prosecutors agreed to recommend probation for him in exchange for his testimony against any remaining defendants at trial.
The state is recommending Turner be given probation, according to the agreement.
Circuit Judge David Swanson allowed for the $5,000 bond that Turner posted in August to be continued until he is sentenced on September 3.
Plea hearings for Williamson and Devin W. Johnson-Carson, 24, who worked as a front desk agent at the hotel, have been scheduled for March 13 and March 20, respectively.
Jury selection in Todd Erickson’s case is slated to get underway on August 11, but a final pre-trial hearing has also been scheduled for June 27.
Key Players and Charges
The case involves four men who worked at the Hyatt Regency hotel: Herbert Williamson, 52, Brandon LaDaniel Turner, 35, Todd Erickson, 60, and Devin W. Johnson-Carson, 24.
Turner and Erickson worked at the hotel as security guards, while Williamson was employed as a bell driver door attendant and Johnson-Carson was a front desk agent.
Williamson has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery, while Turner has pleaded guilty to felony murder as a party to a crime.
Erickson and Johnson-Carson still face charges and have plea hearings scheduled for March 20 and June 27, respectively.
Circumstances of the Incident
The incident occurred on June 30 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Milwaukee, resulting in the death of D’Vontaye Mitchell, 43.
The cause of the disturbance was allegedly Mitchell walking into the women’s bathroom.
Mitchell died after being restrained for approximately nine minutes by hotel staff, sparking protests and comparisons to the death of George Floyd.
Investigation and Prosecution
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office determined Mitchell had drugs in his system and died from “restraint asphyxia.”
Prosecutors have argued that Mitchell was held down for about nine minutes at the hotel during a confrontation reminiscent of the incident involving George Floyd.
Turner agreed to cooperate with prosecutors in exchange for a plea deal, which includes probation.
The state is recommending Turner be given probation, according to the agreement.
Plea Deals and Sentencing
Turner agreed to cooperate with prosecutors in exchange for a plea deal, which includes probation.
The state is recommending Turner be given probation, according to the agreement.
Sentencing for Williamson and Johnson-Carson is set for September 3.
Court Proceedings
Circuit Judge David Swanson allowed for the $5,000 bond that Turner posted in August to be continued until he is sentenced on September 3.
Protests and Demonstrations
The incident drew comparisons to the death of George Floyd and sparked protests and demonstrations in the summer, including one during the Republican National Convention.
The protests and demonstrations highlighted the need for greater accountability and transparency in cases involving police brutality and excessive use of force.
Community Response
The community responded to the incident with outrage and demands for justice, with many calling for the prosecution of those involved.
The protests and demonstrations also drew attention to the need for greater police reform and accountability measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Impact on the Community
The incident had a profound impact on the community, with many feeling a sense of outrage, sadness, and frustration.
The incident also highlighted the need for greater support and resources for families who have lost loved ones to police brutality and excessive use of force.
Lessons Learned
The incident has taught us the importance of holding those in power accountable for their actions and the need for greater transparency and accountability in cases involving police brutality and excessive use of force.
The incident has also highlighted the need for greater police reform and accountability measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Investigative Findings
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Mitchell had drugs in his system and died from “restraint asphyxia.”
Prosecutors have argued that Mitchell was held down for about nine minutes at the hotel during a confrontation reminiscent of the incident involving George Floyd.
Protest Response
The protests and demonstrations that followed the incident highlighted the need for greater accountability and transparency in cases involving police brutality and excessive use of force.
The protests and demonstrations also drew attention to the need for greater police reform and accountability measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Police Response
The police response to the incident was criticized by many, who felt that it was inadequate and failed to address the root causes of the problem.
The police response also highlighted the need for greater police reform and accountability measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Community Reaction
The community reacted to the incident with outrage and demands for justice, with many calling for the prosecution of those involved.
The community also highlighted the need for greater support and resources for families who have lost loved ones to police brutality and excessive use of force.
Implications and Analysis
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and reignited racial tensions in Milwaukee, with many calling for justice and accountability. The death of D’Vontaye Mitchell has drawn comparisons to the death of George Floyd, a Black man who was held down by Minneapolis police until he died in 2020.
Racial Tensions and Protests
The community has responded to the incident with protests and demonstrations, calling for justice and accountability. One demonstration took place during the Republican National Convention, which Milwaukee hosted, and drew attention to the incident.
Police-Community Relations
The incident has raised concerns about police-community relations in Milwaukee, with some criticizing the handling of the incident by police. The city’s response to the protests and demonstrations has been under scrutiny, with many calling for improved relations between law enforcement and the community.
Hotel Industry Response
Aimbridge Hospitality, the third-party operator that manages the Hyatt, has announced a settlement with Mitchell’s family and fired the four men involved in the incident. The hotel industry has come under scrutiny, with many calling for improved security measures and training for staff and security personnel.
Practical Aspects
The incident has led to a number of practical implications, including plea hearings and sentencing for the men involved, as well as calls for improved hotel security measures.
Plea Hearings and Sentencing
The plea hearings for Williamson and Johnson-Carson are set for March 20 and June 27, respectively. Sentencing for Turner is set for September 3. The outcome of these hearings will have significant implications for the men involved and the community.
Hotel Security Measures
The incident has led to increased calls for improved hotel security measures, including more training for staff and security personnel. The hotel industry has come under scrutiny, with many calling for improved protocols for handling disturbances and incidents.
Community Response
The community has responded to the incident with protests and demonstrations, calling for justice and accountability. The community’s response has been vocal, with many calling for improved relations between law enforcement and the community.
Conclusion
Conclusion:
In the tragic case of D’Vontaye Mitchell’s death at the hands of a former Hyatt employee, we witnessed a devastating and preventable tragedy that left Milwaukee residents shaken. The guilty plea of the individual involved highlights the insidious nature of workplace violence and the devastating consequences it can have on individuals and communities. The case underscores the importance of vigilance and accountability in the workplace, particularly when it comes to ensuring a safe and respectful work environment.
The significance of this case extends beyond individual tragedy, raising broader questions about workplace safety, employee rights, and the need for stronger regulations and enforcement. It also highlights the need for greater awareness and education about the warning signs of workplace violence, as well as the importance of supporting victims and their families. As we move forward, it is imperative that we prioritize creating a culture of safety and respect in our workplaces, and that we hold employers accountable for ensuring a safe and healthy work environment.
Insights and Implications:The D’Vontaye Mitchell case serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater vigilance and accountability in the workplace. It highlights the importance of prioritizing employee safety and well-being, as well as the need for stronger regulations and enforcement. As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize creating a culture of safety and respect in our workplaces, and that we hold employers accountable for ensuring a safe and healthy work environment.
The case also underscores the need for greater awareness and education about the warning signs of workplace violence, as well as the importance of supporting victims and their families. By prioritizing these issues, we can work towards creating a safer and more supportive work environment for all.
Future Implications:As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize creating a culture of safety and respect in our workplaces. This can be achieved through a combination of education, awareness, and policy changes. By prioritizing the well-being and safety of our employees, we can create a more supportive and inclusive work environment, where everyone can thrive.
As we move forward, it is also essential that we prioritize accountability and enforcement in the workplace. This can be achieved through stronger regulations, increased oversight, and a greater emphasis on workplace safety. By prioritizing these issues, we can create a safer and more supportive work environment for all.
Statement: The D’Vontaye Mitchell case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of workplace violence and the importance of prioritizing employee safety and